Plasma treatment apparatus

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a plasma treatment apparatus that includes a cover attached to a body part, a plasma generation unit that generates plasma and provides the plasma to the cover, a gas supply unit that supplies a source gas for generating the plasma to the plasma generation unit, and an exhaust unit that exhausts an exhaust gas from the cover. The cover comprises, at an edge, a sealing part brought into close contact with the body part to seal a space between the cover and the body part.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/322,104 filed on Jan. 30, 2019, which is the National Stage filingunder 35 U.S.C. 371 of International Application No. PCT/KR2016/008479,filed on Aug. 2, 2016, the contents of which are all hereby incorporatedby reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the inventive concepts described herein relate to aplasma treatment apparatus.

Recently, attempts have been made to treat skin diseases such as acneand an atopic skin disease with plasma. Plasma refers to a state inwhich matter is divided into electrons with negative charges and ionswith positive charges. In plasma, reactivity is maximized so thationization and recombination of matter are actively performed. Plasmaexhibits an effect of improving an affected part through sterilization,skin regeneration, and the like.

However, despite the beneficial effects of plasma, treatment apparatusesusing plasma have not been widely studied and developed. As a result,there are not many related products and consumers do not have a widechoice of plasma treatment apparatuses.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the inventive concepts provide a plasma treatmentapparatus that treats a body part such as skin or a wound using plasma.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a plasma treatment apparatusincludes a cover attached to a body part, a plasma generation unit thatgenerates plasma and provides the plasma to the cover, a gas supply unitthat supplies a source gas for generating the plasma to the plasmageneration unit, and an exhaust unit that exhausts an exhaust gas fromthe cover.

The cover may include a mask manufactured in advance to cover a face.

The cover may include a pad manufactured in advance to cover a wound.

The cover may include, at an edge, a sealing part brought into closecontact with the body part to seal a space between the cover and thebody part.

The cover may further include, on a portion facing the body part, aspacing part for maintaining spacing between the cover and the bodypart.

The plasma generation unit may be separated from the cover and mayprovide the plasma to the cover through a tube that connects the plasmageneration unit and the cover.

The plasma generation unit may be installed on the cover and may providethe plasma into a space between the cover and the body part.

The plasma generation unit may include opposite electrodes disposed toface each other.

The gas supply unit may include a fan unit that generates an air flowfrom a space between the opposite electrodes to the space between thecover and the body part.

The plasma generation unit may further include an ozone absorption unitthat absorbs ozone between the opposite electrodes and the space betweenthe cover and the body part.

The ozone absorption unit may include a filter with manganese dioxide.

The plasma generation unit may further include a medicine supply unitthat supplies a medicine between the opposite electrodes and the spacebetween the cover and the body part.

The medicine supply unit may include a medicine plate with one surfacefacing the body part and an opposite surface to which the medicine isapplied, the medicine plate having a hole through which the plasma mixedwith the medicine is sent into the space between the cover and the bodypart.

A medicine may be applied to at least part of one surface of the coverthat faces the body part.

The plasma generation unit may be integrated with the cover and maygenerate the plasma in a space between the cover and the body part.

The plasma generation unit may include a first electrode formed on anopposite surface of a dielectric material constituting the cover, theopposite surface being opposite to one surface of the dielectricmaterial that faces the body part, and a second electrode formed on theone surface of the dielectric material.

The first electrode may cover at least a partial area on the oppositesurface of the dielectric material, and the second electrode on the onesurface of the dielectric material may cover part of an area that facesthe first electrode.

A power signal may be applied to the first electrode, and the secondelectrode may be grounded.

The cover may further include a shielding part that shields the firstelectrode.

The cover may further include a medicine applied to the one surface ofthe dielectric material.

The medicine may be applied to at least part of a space formed by theone surface of the dielectric material and the second electrode.

The medicine may be applied to a groove formed in at least part of anarea on the one surface of the dielectric material that is not coveredwith the second electrode.

The gas supply unit may supply the source gas to the cover through a gassupply tube.

The gas supply unit may supply air or an inert gas to the plasmageneration unit.

The exhaust unit may exhaust air from a space between the cover and thebody part before the plasma generation unit generates the plasma afterthe cover is attached to the body part.

The plasma treatment apparatus may further include a by-product removalunit that removes a by-product from the exhaust gas, a sensor unit thatdetects whether the body part is sealed by the cover, and a controllerthat controls the plasma generation unit, depending on whether the bodypart is sealed or not.

The sensor unit may include at least one contact sensor that is providedon a boundary surface of the cover that makes contact with the body partand that detects whether the boundary surface and the body part arebrought into contact with, or separated from, each other.

The controller may stop an operation of the plasma generation unit whenthe boundary surface and the body part are separated from each other.

The controller may stop the operation of the plasma generation unit whenany one of a plurality of contact sensors detects that the boundarysurface and the body part are separated from each other.

The controller may restart the operation of the plasma generation unitwhen the boundary surface and the body part are brought into contactwith each other again.

The exhaust unit may include a variable suction pump that takes in theexhaust gas from a space between the cover part and the body part, thevariable suction pump being variable in suction pressure.

When the boundary surface and the body part are separated from eachother, the controller may raise the suction pressure of the variablesuction pump and may stop an operation of the variable suction pumpafter preset time passes.

The controller may restart the operation of the variable suction pumpwhen the boundary surface and the body part are brought into contactwith each other again.

The cover may be configured such that a supply hole through which thecover receives the plasma from the plasma generation unit or receivesair from the gas supply unit has a larger area than an exhaust holethrough which the exhaust gas is discharged to the exhaust unit.

The cover may further include an exhaust hole adjustment unit that hidesor opens part of the exhaust hole to adjust the area of the exhausthole.

When the boundary surface and the body part are separated from eachother, the controller may control the exhaust hole adjustment unit toopen part of the exhaust hole to increase the area of the exhaust hole.

When the boundary surface and the body part are brought into contactwith each other again, the controller may control the exhaust holeadjustment unit to hide part of the exhaust hole to decrease the area ofthe exhaust hole.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a plasma treatment apparatusincludes a plasma generation unit that generates plasma, a gas supplyunit that supplies a source gas for generating the plasma to the plasmageneration unit, a path-providing unit that provides a path along whichthe plasma generation unit moves above a body part, and a driving unitthat moves the plasma generation unit along the path-providing unit.

The plasma generation unit may include a first electrode having an emptyspace through which the source gas passes, a dielectric material thatsurrounds the first electrode, and a second electrode that surrounds atleast part of the dielectric material.

The gas supply unit may supply at least one of argon and helium to theplasma generation unit.

The path-providing unit may include a rail that supports a wheelincluded in the plasma generation unit.

The path-providing unit may provide a linear path above the body part.

The path-providing unit may provide a closed loop path above the bodypart.

The path-providing unit may provide, above one or more predeterminedintensive care areas of the body part, an intensive care area path inwhich a first partial path extending in a first direction, a turningpath that turns from the first direction to a second direction oppositeto the first direction, and a second partial path extending in thesecond direction are successively connected.

The path-providing unit may provide closed loop paths to a plurality ofpredetermined intensive care areas of the body part, respectively.

The driving unit may include a wheel 241 included in the plasmageneration unit and supported by the path-providing unit and a motorincluded in the plasma generation unit to rotate the wheel.

The plasma treatment apparatus may further include a medicine spray unitthat sprays a medicine while moving along the path-providing unit.

The medicine spray unit following the plasma generation unit may spraythe medicine to the body part after the plasma generation unit providesthe plasma to the body part.

The plasma treatment apparatus may further include a heater thatradiates heat while moving along the path-providing unit.

The heater ahead of the plasma generation unit may transfer heat to thebody part before the plasma generation unit provides the plasma to thebody part.

The plasma treatment apparatus may further include a medicine mixingunit that has a medicine received therein and is fastened to the plasmageneration unit to mix the medicine with the plasma.

The medicine mixing unit may include a fastening part fastened to anozzle through which the plasma is discharged from the plasma generationunit, a medicine receiving part that receives the medicine, and adischarging part that discharges the plasma mixed with the medicine.

The fastening part may be screw-coupled to the nozzle.

The fastening part may be coupled to a thread formed on the nozzle, thepitch of which is formed in a direction parallel to a nozzle axis.

The medicine receiving part may be formed inside the medicine mixingunit and may receive the medicine in a space formed on a transfer pathfor transferring the plasma from the nozzle to the discharging part.

The medicine receiving part may be formed inside the medicine mixingunit and may receive the medicine on a transfer path for transferringthe plasma from the nozzle to the discharging part.

The transfer path may include a straight tube extending from the nozzlein a straight line.

The transfer path may include a curved tube extending from the nozzle ina curve shape.

The curved tube may extend on a virtual plane where the nozzle and thedischarging part are located.

The curved tube may be formed to be wound around a virtual line thatconnects the nozzle and the discharging part.

The transfer path may include a bent tube extending from the nozzle in abroken line shape.

The bent tube may extend on a virtual plane where the nozzle and thedischarging part are located.

The bent tube may be formed to be wound around a virtual line thatconnects the nozzle and the discharging part.

The medicine receiving part may include, in a portion corresponding to avertex of the bent tube, a cavity for receiving the medicine.

According to the embodiments of the inventive concept, the plasmatreatment apparatuses described above may treat a body part such as skinor a wound using plasma, thereby effectively removing harmful germs inan affected part and promoting regeneration of tissues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The above and other objects and features will become apparent from thefollowing description with reference to the following figures, whereinlike reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the variousfigures unless otherwise specified, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a plasma treatment apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

FIGS. 2 to 4 are a front view, a side view, and a sectional viewillustrating a cover according to an embodiment of the inventiveconcept;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are a front view and a sectional view illustrating a coveraccording to another embodiment of the inventive concept;

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an operation of the plasma treatmentapparatus according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a plasma treatment apparatus according toanother embodiment of the inventive concept;

FIG. 9 is a schematic partial sectional view illustrating a plasmageneration unit according to another embodiment of the inventiveconcept;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are a sectional view and a plan view illustrating amedicine supply unit according to another embodiment of the inventiveconcept;

FIG. 12 is a front view illustrating a cover having a medicine appliedto one surface thereof according to an embodiment of the inventiveconcept;

FIG. 13 is a schematic partial sectional view illustrating a plasmageneration unit according to yet another embodiment of the inventiveconcept;

FIGS. 14 and 15 are partial sectional views illustrating a plasmageneration unit according to yet another embodiment of the inventiveconcept;

FIG. 16 is a partial sectional view illustrating a plasma generationunit further including a medicine according to an embodiment of theinventive concept;

FIG. 17 is a partial sectional view illustrating a plasma generationunit further including a medicine according to another embodiment of theinventive concept;

FIG. 18 is a partial sectional view illustrating a plasma generationunit further including a medicine according to yet another embodiment ofthe inventive concept;

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating an operation of a plasma treatmentapparatus according to yet another embodiment of the inventive concept;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a controllercontrols an operation of a plasma treatment apparatus according to anembodiment of the inventive concept;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a plasma treatment apparatusaccording to another embodiment of the inventive concept;

FIG. 22 is a front view illustrating a cover in a plasma treatmentapparatus according to another embodiment of the inventive concept, witha boundary surface and a body part making contact with each other;

FIG. 23 is a front view illustrating the cover in the plasma treatmentapparatus according to another embodiment of the inventive concept, withthe boundary surface and the body part separated from each other;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a controllercontrols a plasma generation unit according to another embodiment of theinventive concept;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a controllercontrols an exhaust unit according to another embodiment of theinventive concept;

FIG. 26 is a front view illustrating a cover in a plasma treatmentapparatus according to yet another embodiment of the inventive concept,with a boundary surface and a body part making contact with each other;

FIG. 27 is a front view illustrating the cover in the plasma treatmentapparatus according to yet another embodiment of the inventive concept,with the boundary surface and the body part making contact with eachother;

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a controllercontrols an exhaust hole adjustment unit according to yet anotherembodiment of the inventive concept;

FIG. 29 is a side view illustrating a plasma treatment apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

FIG. 30 is a sectional view illustrating a plasma generation unitaccording to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

FIGS. 31 and 32 are plan views illustrating the plasma treatmentapparatus including a path-providing unit according to an embodiment ofthe inventive concept;

FIG. 33 is a plan view illustrating the plasma treatment apparatusincluding a path-providing unit according to another embodiment of theinventive concept;

FIG. 34 is a plan view illustrating the plasma treatment apparatusincluding a path-providing unit according to yet another embodiment ofthe inventive concept;

FIG. 35 is a plan view illustrating the plasma treatment apparatusincluding a path-providing unit according to yet another embodiment ofthe inventive concept;

FIG. 36 is a sectional view illustrating a path-providing unit and adriving unit according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

FIG. 37 is a side view illustrating the path-providing unit and a wheelaccording to an embodiment of the inventive concept, when viewed in thedirection A of FIG. 36 ;

FIG. 38 is a side view illustrating a plasma treatment apparatusaccording to another embodiment of the inventive concept;

FIG. 39 is a plan view illustrating the plasma treatment apparatusaccording to another embodiment of the inventive concept;

FIG. 40 is a side view illustrating a plasma treatment apparatusaccording to yet another embodiment of the inventive concept;

FIG. 41 is a plan view illustrating the plasma treatment apparatusaccording to yet another embodiment of the inventive concept;

FIG. 42 is a side view illustrating a plasma treatment apparatusaccording to yet another embodiment of the inventive concept;

FIGS. 43 and 44 are a perspective view and a sectional view illustratinga medicine mixing unit according to an embodiment of the inventiveconcept;

FIGS. 45 and 46 are a sectional view and a side view illustrating themedicine mixing unit according to an embodiment of the inventiveconcept;

FIGS. 47 to 49 are sectional views illustrating medicine receiving partsand medicines M received therein according to embodiments of theinventive concept;

FIG. 50 is a schematic view illustrating transfer paths according tovarious embodiments of the inventive concept; and

FIG. 51 is a sectional view illustrating a transfer path and a cavityformed therein according to yet another embodiment of the inventiveconcept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Other advantages and features of the inventive concept, andimplementation methods thereof will be clarified through the followingembodiments to be described in detail with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. The inventive concept may, however, be embodied in differentforms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodimentsset forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that thisdisclosure is thorough and complete and fully conveys the scope of theinventive concept to a person skilled in the art to which the inventiveconcept pertains. Further, the inventive concept is only defined by theappended claims.

Even though not defined, all terms used herein (including technical orscientific terms) have the same meanings as those generally accepted bygeneral technologies in the related art to which the inventive conceptpertains. The terms defined in general dictionaries may be construed ashaving the same meanings as those used in the related art and/or a textof the present application and even when some terms are not clearlydefined, they should not be construed as being conceptual or excessivelyformal.

Terms used herein are only for description of embodiments and are notintended to limit the inventive concept. As used herein, the singularforms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless contextclearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that theterms “comprise” and/or “comprising” used herein specify the presence ofstated features or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features or components. In thespecification, the term “and/or” indicates each of listed components orvarious combinations thereof.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the inventive concept will be described indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a plasma treatment apparatus 1according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the plasma treatment apparatus 1 includes a cover11, a plasma generation unit 12, a gas supply unit 13, and an exhaustunit 14. The cover 11 is attached to a body part. The plasma generationunit 12 generates plasma and provides the plasma to the cover 11. Thegas supply unit 13 supplies, to the plasma generation unit 12, a sourcegas for generating the plasma. The exhaust unit 14 exhausts an exhaustgas from the cover 11.

FIGS. 2 to 4 are a front view, a side view, and a sectional viewillustrating the cover 11 according to an embodiment of the inventiveconcept.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the cover 11 mayinclude a mask manufactured in advance to cover a face. That is, thecover 11 in this embodiment may be manufactured in a mask type and maybe applied to the face.

The cover 11 may include a sealing part 111 at the edge thereof.Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4 , the sealing part 111 may be brought intoclose contact with the body part at the edge of the cover 11 to seal thespace between the cover 11 and the body part.

To seal the space between the cover 11 and the body part, the sealingpart 111 may be formed of a soft and flexible material and may bebrought into close contact with the body part so that air cannot get inor out. For example, the sealing part 111 may be formed of silicone,rubber, a resin, or the like.

In the case where the cover 11 is manufactured in a mask type, thesealing part 111 may be provided not only at the outer periphery of themask but also at the edges of various holes (eye holes, a nose hole, amouth hole, and the like) to seal the space between the mask and theface.

Furthermore, the cover 11 may further include a spacing part 112. Thespacing part 112 may be provided on a portion (e.g., the inside) of thecover 11 that faces the body part and may maintain the spacing betweenthe cover 11 and the body part.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the cover 11 may have a plurality of spacingparts 112 on a portion thereof that faces the body part. As describedabove, the spacing parts 112 may be provided on predetermined portionson the inside of the cover 11, and therefore the inside of the cover 11may be kept spaced apart from the body part by a predetermined distancewithout adhering to the body part during treatment using plasma.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are a front view and a sectional view illustrating thecover 11 according to another embodiment of the inventive concept.

According to another embodiment of the inventive concept, the cover 11may include a pad manufactured in advance to cover a wound. That is, thecover 11 in this embodiment may be manufactured in a pad type and may beapplied to the wound.

Unlike the cover 11 of a mask type, which is manufactured to match afacial contour, the cover 11 according to this embodiment may bemanufactured in a flat surface shape or a curved surface shape with apredetermined curvature.

Likewise to the cover 11 of a mask type, the cover 11 of a pad type, asillustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 , may include the sealing part 111 at theedge thereof and may further include the spacing parts 112 on a portionthereof that faces the body part.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an operation of the plasma treatmentapparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

The plasma generation unit 12 generates plasma and provides the plasmato the cover 11. According to an embodiment of the inventive concept,the plasma generation unit 12 may be separated from the cover 11 and mayprovide the plasma to the cover 11 through a tube 113 that connects theplasma generation unit 12 and the cover 11. That is, the cover 11 andthe plasma generation unit 12 in this embodiment may be manufactured asseparate modules and may be connected together through the tube 113.

The plasma generation unit 12 may include two opposite electrodes facingeach other and may supply power to the opposite electrodes to dischargegas between the electrodes. Plasma generated by the discharge of the gasis transferred to the cover 11 through the tube 113.

At this time, the gas supply unit 13 supplies a source gas to the plasmageneration unit 12. According to an embodiment of the inventive concept,the gas supply unit 13 may supply air as the source gas. In this case,the plasma generation unit 12 generates atmospheric plasma. According toanother embodiment of the inventive concept, the gas supply unit 13 maysupply an inert gas as the source gas. For example, the gas supply unit13 may supply at least one of argon and helium to the plasma generationunit 12. In this case, the plasma generation unit 12 generates argon orhelium plasma.

Furthermore, the exhaust unit 14 exhausts an exhaust gas from the cover11. By-products may be generated in the process in which the plasmaprovided from the plasma generation unit 12 to the cover 11 is appliedto the body part. For example, the plasma may generate ozone whilemaking contact with air inside the cover 11. In addition, when theplasma generation unit 12 receives air as the source gas, the plasmageneration unit 12 may generate and provide plasma and ozone to thecover 11.

The exhaust unit 14 may take in an exhaust gas including the by-productsfrom the cover 11 and may discharge the exhaust gas out of the cover 11.To this end, the exhaust unit 14 may be connected to the cover 11through an exhaust tube 114 and may include a suction pump to apply anegative pressure to the space between the cover 11 and the body part.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the plasma treatment apparatus 1 accordingto another embodiment of the inventive concept.

According to another embodiment of the inventive concept, the plasmageneration unit 12 may be installed on the cover 11 and may provideplasma into the space between the cover 11 and a body part. That is, theplasma generation unit 12 in this embodiment is installed on the cover11 rather than being separated from the cover 11, and therefore thecover 11 and the plasma generation unit 12 are provided together.

While FIG. 8 illustrates an example that the plasma generation unit 12is installed on a forehead part of the cover 11 of a mask type, thelocation where the plasma generation unit 12 is installed on the cover11 is not limited thereto.

As described above, even in this embodiment, the plasma generation unit12 may include opposite electrodes disposed to face each other. Althoughnot illustrated in the drawing, the plasma generation unit 12 mayinclude a power supply and may supply, to the opposite electrodes, powerfor generating plasma.

FIG. 9 is a schematic partial sectional view illustrating the plasmageneration unit 12 according to another embodiment of the inventiveconcept.

As described above, the plasma generation unit 12 in this embodiment isinstalled on the cover 11 to directly provide plasma to the cover 11except through a tube.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the gas supply unit 13 mayalso be installed on the cover 11 together with the plasma generationunit 12 rather than being connected to the plasma generation unit 12through a tube.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 9 , the gas supply unit 13 may include afan unit 131 that generates an air flow from the plasma generation unit12, that is, the space between opposite electrodes 121 to the spacebetween the cover 11 and the body part.

The fan unit 131 in this embodiment may rotate a fan to supply air tothe opposite electrodes 121 as a source gas and move plasma generated bythe opposite electrodes 121 inside the cover 11 when power is suppliedto the opposite electrodes 121 and discharge occurs in the space betweenthe opposite electrodes 121.

Furthermore, the plasma generation unit 12 may further include an ozoneabsorption unit 122. The ozone absorption unit 122 is disposed in thespace between the opposite electrodes 121, the cover 11, and the bodypart to absorb ozone.

As described above, in the case where the plasma generation unit 12receives air as a source gas and generates plasma, the plasma generationunit 12 may further generate ozone as by-products, in addition to theplasma. The plasma generation unit 12 in this embodiment may furtherinclude the ozone absorption unit 122 between the opposite electrodes121 and the cover 11, thereby reducing ozone content in the plasma thatis provided to the cover 11.

According to this embodiment, the ozone absorption unit 122 may includea filter having a material for absorbing ozone. For example, the ozoneabsorption unit 122 may include a filter having manganese dioxide, butthe ozone-absorbing material included in the filter is not limited tomanganese dioxide.

In addition, the plasma generation unit 12 may further include amedicine supply unit 123. The medicine supply unit 123 is disposed inthe space between the opposite electrodes 121, the cover 11, and thebody part to supply a medicine.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are a sectional view and a plan view illustrating themedicine supply unit 123 according to another embodiment of theinventive concept.

According to this embodiment, the medicine supply unit 123 may include amedicine plate 1231 having holes H formed therethrough, and a medicine Mmay be applied to a surface of the medicine plate 1231 that is oppositeto a surface facing the body part.

For example, referring to FIG. 10 , the medicine plate 1231 may bedisposed between the opposite electrodes 121 for generating plasma andthe cover 11, and the medicine M may be applied to the surface (theupper surface in FIG. 10 ) of the medicine plate 1231, which is oppositeto the surface facing the body part, to form a layer with apredetermined thickness.

As illustrated in FIG. 10 , the medicine plate 1231 may have the holes Hformed therethrough in the thickness direction and may supply plasmamixed with the medicine M into the space between the cover 11 and thebody part. As illustrated in FIG. 11 , the holes H may be evenly formedin the medicine plate 1231. Without being limited thereto, however, theholes H may be unevenly formed in the medicine plate 1231.

According to this embodiment, plasma generated by and moving downwardfrom the opposite electrodes 121 may be mixed with the medicine Mapplied to the medicine plate 1231 and may be supplied to the cover 11through the holes H, and therefore the effect of the plasma acting onthe body part may be further improved.

In the case where the plasma and the medicine M are mixed together andsupplied to the body part, the plasma treatment apparatus 1 may enhancethe plasma's unique actions such as sterilization and regeneration,thereby maximizing treatment effects by the plasma.

The medicine M in the embodiment of the inventive concept includes anymedicine used for treating a body part.

For example, in the case where the plasma treatment apparatus 1 is usedfor skin care, the medicine supply unit 123 may provide a skin careagent as the medicine M and may mix the skin care agent with plasma. Inanother example, when the plasma treatment apparatus 1 is used for burntreatment, the medicine supply unit 123 may provide a burn treatmentagent as the medicine M and may mix the burn treatment agent withplasma.

In yet another example, the medicine supply unit 123 may providehydrogen peroxide as the medicine M. For example, gel-type hydrogenperoxide with a predetermined concentration may be applied to the uppersurface of the medicine plate 1231. In this case, the plasma treatmentapparatus 1 may supply plasma generated by the plasma generation unit 12to the cover 11 through the medicine supply unit 123 to provide theplasma mixed with the hydrogen peroxide to the body part, therebyfurther improving sterilization effects of the plasma.

In addition, the medicine M may be applied to at least a portion of asurface of the cover 11 that faces the body part.

FIG. 12 is a front view illustrating the cover 11 having the medicine Mapplied to one surface thereof according to an embodiment of theinventive concept.

As illustrated in FIG. 12 , the plasma treatment apparatus 1 may havethe medicine supply unit 123 included in the plasma generation unit 12,and the medicine M may be applied to one surface (that is, the inside)of the cover 11 that faces a body part.

As a result, plasma supplied from the plasma generation unit 12 may besufficiently mixed with the medicine M while moving toward the edge ofthe cover 11 and spreading over the entire area of the cover 11, andtherefore enhanced effects of the plasma may be kept during treatment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic partial sectional view illustrating the plasmageneration unit 12 according to yet another embodiment of the inventiveconcept.

The plasma generation unit 12 illustrated in FIG. 9 has the fan unit 131that is installed as the gas supply unit 13 to supply air to theopposite electrodes 121.

In contrast, according to yet another embodiment of the inventiveconcept, the fan unit 131 is not installed in the plasma generation unit12, but the gas supply unit 13 may be connected to the plasma generationunit 12 through a tube to supply a source gas to the opposite electrodes121.

This embodiment may be applied in the case where an inert gas such asargon or helium, rather than air, is supplied as the source gas. In thecase where an inert gas is used as the source gas, the oppositeelectrodes 121 do not generate ozone when generating plasma. Therefore,the plasma generation unit 12 may not include the ozone absorption unit122 and may include only the medicine supply unit 123, unlike in theembodiment of FIG. 9 .

In the above-described embodiments, the cover 11 and the plasmageneration unit 12 are separately manufactured and connected through thetube 113, or the plasma generation unit 12 is installed on the cover 11.

However, according to yet another embodiment of the inventive concept,the plasma generation unit 12 may be integrated with the cover 11 andmay generate plasma in the space between the cover 11 and the body part.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are partial sectional views illustrating the plasmageneration unit 12 according to yet another embodiment of the inventiveconcept.

According to yet another embodiment of the inventive concept, the plasmageneration unit 12 may include a first electrode 1211 and a secondelectrode 1212. The first electrode 1211 may be formed on an oppositesurface of a dielectric material 1101 that is opposite to one surfacethereof that faces a body part, and the second electrode 1212 may beformed on the one surface of the dielectric material 1101. Thedielectric material 1101 may constitute the cover 11. That is, theplasma generation unit 12 in this embodiment may include the firstelectrode 1211 and the second electrode 1212 facing each other with thedielectric material 1101 therebetween, which constitutes the cover 11.

According to this embodiment, the first electrode 1211 covers at least apartial area on the opposite surface of the dielectric material 1101.The second electrode 1212 on the one surface of the dielectric material1101 covers part of the area that faces the first electrode 1211.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14 , the first electrode 1211 isformed to cover all or part of the upper surface of the dielectricmaterial 1101 that constitutes the cover 11. The second electrode 1212on the lower surface of the dielectric material 1101 covers part of thearea that faces the first electrode 1211. As a result, unlike the uppersurface of the dielectric material 1101 where the first electrode 1211is formed, the lower surface of the dielectric material 1101 where thesecond electrode 1212 is formed is divided into a covered area and anuncovered area.

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 14 , a power signal may be appliedto the first electrode 1211, and the second electrode 1212 may begrounded. For example, a high-voltage direct current signal or ahigh-frequency signal may be applied to the first electrode 1211, andthe second electrode 1212 may be grounded. Therefore, the first andsecond electrodes 1211 and 1212 may form a potential difference with thedielectric material 1101 therebetween.

Due to this, as illustrated in FIG. 15 , the plasma generation unit 12may generate plasma with respect to the area on the lower surface of thedielectric material 1101 that is not covered with the second electrode1212, more specifically, the corner portion where the second electrode1212 and the dielectric material 1101 meet each other.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the cover 11 may furtherinclude a shielding part 1102 for shielding the first electrode 1211.

Since the plasma generation unit 12, as described above, applies ahigh-voltage power signal to the first electrode 1211 to generateplasma, the shielding part 1102 may shield the first electrode 1211 toprotect a user of the plasma treatment apparatus 1 from a risk ofelectric shock. However, the second electrode 1212 facing the body partdoes not have to be separately shielded since the second electrode 1212is grounded and therefore there is no risk of electric shock.

FIG. 16 is a partial sectional view illustrating the plasma generationunit 12 further including a medicine M according to an embodiment of theinventive concept.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the inventive concept, thecover 11 may further include the medicine M applied to the one surfaceof the dielectric material 1101.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 16 , the medicine M may be entirelyapplied to the lower surface of the dielectric material 1101 on whichthe second electrode 1212 is formed.

FIG. 17 is a partial sectional view illustrating the plasma generationunit 12 further including a medicine M according to another embodimentof the inventive concept.

According to another embodiment of the inventive concept, the medicine Mmay be applied to the space formed by the one surface of the dielectricmaterial 1101 and the second electrode 1212.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 17 , the medicine M is not entirelyapplied to the lower surface of the dielectric material 1101 on whichthe second electrode 1212 is formed, but may fill at least part of thespace surrounded by the lower surface of the dielectric material 1101and the side surfaces of the second electrode 1212.

FIG. 18 is a partial sectional view illustrating the plasma generationunit 12 further including a medicine M according to yet anotherembodiment of the inventive concept.

According to yet another embodiment of the inventive concept, themedicine M may be applied to a groove 1103 formed in at least part ofthe area on the one surface of the dielectric material 1101 that is notcovered with the second electrode 1212.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 18 , the dielectric material 1101may further include the groove 1103 formed in all or part of theremaining area other than the area on the lower surface of thedielectric material 1101 that is covered with the second electrode 1212.The groove 1103 may be filled with the medicine M.

As described above, the plasma generation unit 12 may further includethe medicine M on the one surface of the dielectric material 1101, onwhich the second electrode 1212 is formed, thereby further increasingtreatment effects of plasma on a body part.

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating an operation of the plasma treatmentapparatus 1 according to yet another embodiment of the inventiveconcept.

In the embodiment in which the plasma generation unit 12 is integratedwith the cover 11, the gas supply unit 13 may supply a source gas to thecover 11 through a gas supply tube 115.

For example, the gas supply unit 13 may supply air to the cover 11through the gas supply tube 115. In this case, the plasma generationunit 12 generates atmospheric plasma. In another example, the gas supplyunit 13 may supply at least one of argon and helium to the cover 11through the gas supply tube 115. In this case, the plasma generationunit 12 generates argon or helium plasma.

As in the other embodiments, the plasma generation unit 12 may generateplasma and may provide the plasma to the cover 11, and ozone may begenerated as by-products. The exhaust unit 14 may take in an exhaust gasincluding the by-products from the cover 11 and may discharge theexhaust gas out of the cover 11.

Although not illustrated in the drawing, the plasma treatment apparatus1 may further include a controller. The controller may controloperations of the plasma generation unit 12, the gas supply unit 13, andthe exhaust unit 14 to enable a user to perform treatment on a body partusing the plasma treatment apparatus 1.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the controllercontrols an operation of the plasma treatment apparatus 1 according toan embodiment of the inventive concept.

Referring to FIG. 20 , the controller may control to perform processS110 of exhausting air from the space between the cover 11 and a bodypart by the exhaust unit 14, process S120 of supplying a source gas tothe plasma generation unit 12 by the gas supply unit 13, process S130 ofgenerating plasma by the plasma generation unit 12, and process S140 ofdischarging an exhaust gas from the space between the cover 11 and thebody part by the exhaust unit 14.

According to this embodiment, the exhaust unit 14 exhausts air from thespace between the cover 11 and the body part before the plasmageneration unit 12 generates plasma after the cover 11 is attached tothe body part.

Due to this, a negative pressure may be applied to the space between thecover 11 and the body part, and therefore the cover 11 may be broughtinto close contact with the body part. Furthermore, the negativepressure applied to the space between the cover 11 and the body part mayopen hair follicles of the body part, thereby further increasing beautyeffects by plasma when the plasma treatment apparatus 1 is used for skincare. In addition, since pressure is decreased in the space between thecover 11 and the body part, plasma firing voltage may be lowered, whichmay lead to an improvement in plasma generation efficiency.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating the plasma treatment apparatus 1according to another embodiment of the inventive concept.

Referring to FIG. 21 , the plasma treatment apparatus 1 may furtherinclude a by-product removal unit 15, a sensor unit 16, and a controller17.

The by-product removal unit 15 removes by-products from an exhaust gas.The sensor unit 16 detects whether a body part is sealed by the cover11. The controller 17 controls the plasma generation unit 12, dependingon whether the body part is sealed or not.

The by-product removal unit 15 may include a filter that removesby-products included in the exhaust gas while allowing the exhaust gasto pass through.

According to an embodiment, the by-product removal unit 15 may includean ozone removal filter that removes ozone from the exhaust gas. Thatis, a by-product removed by the by-product removal unit 15 in thisembodiment is ozone.

The ozone removal filter may have a material for absorbing ozone. Forexample, the ozone removal filter may have manganese dioxide as an ozoneabsorbing material, but the material included in the filter is notlimited to manganese dioxide.

By-products removed from the exhaust gas by the by-product removal unit15 are not limited to ozone. The by-product removal unit 15 may removevarious other by-products harmful to human bodies or an environment.

The by-product removal unit 15 may filter the exhaust gas passingthrough the exhaust unit 14 to remove by-products. In other words, theexhaust gas exhausted from the cover 11 may pass through the by-productremoval unit 15 past the exhaust unit 14 and may be discharged out ofthe plasma treatment apparatus 1.

However, according to another embodiment, the by-product removal unit 15may be disposed between the cover 11 and the exhaust unit 14. Forexample, the by-product removal unit 15 may be installed in an exhausttube that connects the cover 11 and the exhaust unit 14. In anotherexample, the by-product removal unit 15 may be installed in an exhausthole included in the cover 11 and may remove by-products in an exhaustgas leaving the cover 11.

While FIG. 21 illustrates an example that the exhaust gas passingthrough the exhaust unit 14 and the by-product removal unit 15 isdischarged out of the plasma treatment apparatus 1, the exhaust gas maybe supplied to the plasma generation unit 12 again. In other words, theexhaust unit 14 may supply the exhaust gas to the plasma generation unit12 to allow the exhaust gas to circulate in the plasma treatmentapparatus 1.

In this case, the plasma treatment apparatus 1 may form a closed system.Therefore, even though by-products are slightly included in the exhaustgas passing through the by-product removal unit 15, a user is lesslikely to be exposed to the by-products while the apparatus is inoperation since the exhaust gas is not discharged to the outside.

FIG. 22 is a front view illustrating the cover 11 in the plasmatreatment apparatus 1 according to another embodiment of the inventiveconcept, with a boundary surface and a body part making contact witheach other. FIG. 23 is a front view illustrating the cover 11 in theplasma treatment apparatus 1 according to another embodiment of theinventive concept, with the boundary surface and the body part separatedfrom each other.

The sensor unit 16 detects whether the body part is sealed by the cover11.

According to an embodiment, the sensor unit 16 may include at least onecontact sensor 161 that is provided on the boundary surface of the cover11 making contact with the body part and that detects whether theboundary surface and the body part are brought into contact with, orseparated from, each other.

For example, referring to FIGS. 22 and 23 , the at least one contactsensor 161 may be provided on the boundary surface (e.g., the sealingpart 111) of the cover 11 that makes contact with the body part. Whenthe boundary surface of the cover 11 makes contact with the body part,the contact sensor 161 may detect the contact and may output anelectrical signal corresponding to the contact.

According to another embodiment, the sensor unit 16 may include at leastone pressure sensor provided on the boundary surface of the cover 11.The pressure sensor may detect pressure exerted on the pressure sensorand may convert the pressure into an electrical signal. The pressuresensor may include, for example, a strain gauge, a load cell, or thelike.

In the case where the pressure sensor is used to detect whether the bodypart is sealed or not, when the pressure detected by the pressure sensoris lower than a preset threshold value, it may be determined that thebody part is not sealed, and when the pressure is higher than or equalto the threshold value, it may be determined that the body part issealed.

The controller 17 controls the plasma generation unit 12, depending onwhether the body part is sealed or not.

According to an embodiment, the controller 17 may stop an operation ofthe plasma generation unit 12 in the case where the body part is notsealed.

For example, in the case where the contact sensor 161 is used to detectwhether the body part is sealed or not, the controller 17, asillustrated in FIG. 23 , may stop an operation of the plasma generationunit 12 to stop the supply of plasma to the cover 11 when the contactsensor 161 detects the separation of the boundary surface and the bodypart.

In the case where a plurality of contact sensors 161 are installed onthe cover 11, the controller 117 may stop an operation of the plasmageneration unit 12 when any one of the plurality of contact sensors 161detects the separation of the boundary surface and the body part. Inother words, when any one of the plurality of contact sensors 161detects the separation of the boundary surface and the body part, theplasma generation unit 12 stops operating.

In addition, the controller 17 may restart the operation of the plasmageneration unit 12 in the case where the body part is sealed again.

For example, in the case where the contact sensor 161 detects thecontact between the boundary surface and the body part again, thecontroller 17, as illustrated in FIG. 22 , may restart the operation ofthe plasma generation unit 12 to start the supply of plasma to the cover11 again.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the controller 17controls the plasma generation unit 12 according to another embodimentof the inventive concept.

Referring to FIG. 24 , the controller 17 may control to perform processS111 of generating plasma by the plasma generation unit 12, process S113of stopping an operation of the plasma generation unit 12 when aboundary surface and a body part are separated from each other (Y inProcess S112), and process S115 of restarting the operation of theplasma generation unit 12 when the boundary surface and the body partmake contact with each other again (Y in Process S114).

As described above, the controller 17 may control the plasma generationunit 12, depending on whether the body part is sealed or not.Accordingly, in the case where the body part is not sealed by the cover11 and therefore an exhaust gas is likely to be leaked, the plasmageneration unit 12 may stop operating to stop generation of plasma andby-products generated along with the plasma.

According to another embodiment of the inventive concept, the controller17 may control the exhaust unit 14, depending on whether the body partis sealed or not.

According to this embodiment, the exhaust unit 14 may include a suctionpump that takes in an exhaust gas from the space between the cover 11and the body part. The suction pump may be a variable suction pump thatis variable in suction pressure.

In the case where the body part is not sealed, the controller 17 mayraise the suction pressure of the variable suction pump. Thereafter, thecontroller 17 may stop an operation of the variable suction pump afterpreset time passes.

For example, when the contact sensor 161 detects that the boundarysurface and the body part are separated from each other, the controller17 may temporarily raise the suction pressure of the variable suctionpump and may stop an operation of the variable suction pump after presettime passes.

In addition, the controller 17 may restart the operation of the variablesuction pump in the case where the body part is sealed again.

For example, in the case where the contact sensor 161 detects contactbetween the boundary surface and the body part again, the controller 17may restart the operation of the variable suction pump.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the controller 17controls the exhaust unit 14 according to another embodiment of theinventive concept.

Referring to FIG. 25 , the controller 17 may control to perform processS121 of exhausting an exhaust gas by the exhaust unit 14, process S123of raising the suction pressure of a variable suction pump included inthe exhaust unit 14 in the case where a boundary surface and a body partare separated from each other (Y in Process S122), process S125 ofstopping an operation of the exhaust unit 14 after preset time passes (Yin Process S124), and process S127 of restarting the operation of theexhaust unit 14 in the case where the boundary surface and the body partmake contact with each other again (Y in Process S126).

The controller 17 may control the exhaust unit 14 and the variablesuction pump included therein, depending on whether the body part issealed or not. As a result, in the case where the body part is notsealed by the cover 11 and therefore the exhaust gas is likely to beleaked, the suction pressure of the variable suction pump may beinstantaneously raised to rapidly discharge by-products present in thespace between the cover 11 and the body part from the cover 11.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the cover 11 may beconfigured such that the area of a supply hole S through which plasma issupplied from the plasma generation unit 12 into the cover 11 is greaterthan the area of an exhaust hole E through which the exhaust gas isdischarged to the exhaust unit 14.

For example, referring to FIGS. 22 and 23 , the area of the supply holeS that is formed in the cover 11 and through which plasma generated bythe plasma generation unit 12 passes may be greater than the area of theexhaust hole E that is formed in the cover 11 and through which theexhaust gas passes. In other words, the area of the exhaust hole Ethrough which the exhaust gas is discharged from the cover 11 is smallerthan the area of the supply hole S through which plasma is introducedinto the cover 11.

In the case where, as illustrated in FIG. 19 , the plasma generationunit 12 is integrated with the cover 11 and plasma is generated in thespace between the cover 11 and the body part, the area of the supplyhole S through which a source gas is supplied from the gas supply unit13 may be greater than the area of the exhaust hole E.

According to this embodiment, time during which plasma stays in thecover 11 may be increased, and therefore the plasma may sufficientlyinteract with the body part, thereby effectively performing treatment onthe body part.

FIG. 26 is a front view illustrating the cover 11 in the plasmatreatment apparatus 1 according to yet another embodiment of theinventive concept, with a boundary surface and a body part makingcontact with each other. FIG. 27 is a front view illustrating the cover11 in the plasma treatment apparatus 1 according to yet anotherembodiment of the inventive concept, with the boundary surface and thebody part separated from each other.

According to yet another embodiment of the inventive concept, the cover11 may further include an exhaust hole adjustment unit 18 that hides oropens a portion of the exhaust hole E to adjust the area of the exhausthole E.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 26 , the exhaust hole adjustmentunit 18 may hide a portion of the exhaust hole E when plasma is suppliedinto the cover 11 to perform treatment on the body part. At this time,the exhaust hole adjustment unit 18 installed in the exhaust hole E mayhide a portion of the entire area of the exhaust hole E such that thearea of the exhaust hole E is smaller than the area of the supply hole Sas described above.

According to this embodiment, in the case where the body part is notsealed, the controller 17 may control the exhaust hole adjustment unit18 such that a portion of the exhaust hole E is opened to increase thearea of the exhaust hole E.

For example, in the case where the boundary surface of the cover 11 andthe body part are separated from each other and therefore the body partis not sealed, the controller 17, as illustrated in FIG. 27 , maycontrol the exhaust hole adjustment unit 18 to open a portion of theexhaust hole E hidden by the exhaust hole adjustment unit 18 to increasethe area of the exhaust hole E.

To adjust the area of the exhaust hole E depending on whether the bodypart is sealed or not, the exhaust hole adjustment unit 18 may include ascreen that is movable on a plane where the exhaust hole E is located,like a shutter of a camera. The screen may be operated by an actuatorthat operates according to a control signal of the controller 17.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the case where the body part issealed again, the controller 17 may control the exhaust hole adjustmentunit 18 such that a portion of the exhaust hole E is hidden again todecrease the area of the exhaust hole E.

For example, in the case where the boundary surface of the cover 11 andthe body part make contact with each other again and therefore the bodypart is sealed, the controller 17, as illustrated in FIG. 26 , mayoperate the exhaust hole adjustment unit 18 to hide a partial area ofthe exhaust hole E again to decrease the area of the exhaust hole E.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the controller 17controls the exhaust hole adjustment unit 18 according to yet anotherembodiment of the inventive concept.

Referring to FIG. 28 , the controller 17 may control to perform processS132 of controlling the exhaust hole adjustment unit 18 to open aportion of the exhaust hole E to increase the area of the exhaust hole Ewhen a boundary surface and a body part are separated from each other (Yin Process S131) and process S134 of controlling the exhaust holeadjustment unit 18 to hide a portion of the exhaust hole E to decreasethe area of the exhaust hole E when the boundary surface and the bodypart make contact with each other again (Y in Process S133).

The controller 17 may control the exhaust hole adjustment unit 18 toadjust the area of the exhaust hole E, depending on whether the bodypart is sealed or not. As a result, in the case where the body part isnot sealed by the cover 11 and therefore an exhaust gas is likely to beleaked, the area of the exhaust hole E may be increased to increase theamount of exhaust gas discharged from the cover 11 by the exhaust unit14, thereby rapidly discharging by-products remaining in the spacebetween the cover 11 and the body part from the cover 11.

The above-described plasma treatment apparatus 1 relates to aclosed-type plasma treatment system that covers and seals a body partwith the cover 11 such as a mask or a pad and then treats the body partwith plasma or plasma and medicine. Hereinafter, an open-type plasmatreatment system will be described that treats a body part with plasmaor plasma and medicine, with the body part not being sealed.

FIG. 29 is a side view illustrating a plasma treatment apparatus 2according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

The plasma treatment apparatus 2 according to an embodiment of theinventive concept includes a plasma generation unit 21, a gas supplyunit (not illustrated), a path-providing unit 23, and a driving unit 24.

The plasma generation unit 21 generates plasma. The gas supply unitsupplies, to the plasma generation unit 21, a source gas for generatingthe plasma. The path-providing unit 23 provides a path along which theplasma generation unit 21 moves above a body part. The driving unit 24moves the plasma generation unit 21 along the path-providing unit 23.

The plasma generation unit 21 may discharge the source gas with highvoltage to divide gas in a discharging space into electrons and ions.The source gas excited into a plasma state by the plasma generation unit21 is sprayed from a nozzle of the plasma generation unit 21 andprovided to the body part.

A face is illustrated in FIG. 29 as an example of the body part to betreated with plasma. Without being limited thereto, however, the bodypart includes various body parts.

FIG. 30 is a sectional view illustrating the plasma generation unit 21according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the plasmageneration unit 21 may include a first electrode 211 having an emptyspace through which the source gas passes, a dielectric material 213surrounding the first electrode 211, and a second electrode 212surrounding at least part of the dielectric material 213.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 30 , the first and second electrodes211 and 212 may face each other with the dielectric material 213therebetween. Here, the second electrode 212 on the outside of theplasma generation unit 21 may be disposed to surround a partial area ofthe first electrode 211 inside the plasma generation unit 21.

That is, the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 havehollow cylindrical shapes with different diameters and lengths and aredisposed to overlap each other with the dielectric material 213therebetween. However, the area of the first electrode 211 that overlapsthe second electrode 212 is a partial area of the first electrode 211.

Furthermore, the plasma treatment apparatus 2 further includes a powersupply that supplies power for generating plasma to the plasmageneration unit 21.

Referring to FIG. 30 , the power supply may apply a power signal to thefirst electrode 211 and may ground the second electrode 212. The powersupply may apply a high-voltage direct current signal or ahigh-frequency signal as the power signal.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the gas supply unitmay supply an inert gas to the plasma generation unit 21 as the sourcegas. For example, the gas supply unit may supply at least one of argonand helium. In the case where the inert gas such as argon or helium issupplied as the source gas, ozone harmful to a human body may beminimized when plasma is generated.

Referring again to FIG. 29 , the path-providing unit 23 provides a pathalong which the plasma generation unit 21 moves above the body part tobe treated.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 29 , the path-providing unit 23 mayinclude a rail that supports a wheel included in the plasma generationunit 21. In this case, the wheel included in the plasma generation unit21 may rotates on the rail, and therefore the plasma generation unit 21may move along the rail.

FIGS. 31 and 32 are plan views illustrating the plasma treatmentapparatus 2 including the path-providing unit 23 according to anembodiment of the inventive concept.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the path-providingunit 23 may provide a linear path that linearly extends above the bodypart.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 31 , the path-providing unit 23 mayinclude a linear rail that extends in a straight line. In the case wherethe body part to be treated with plasma is too wide like a face to betreated with one rail, the path-providing unit 23 may include two ormore rails to increase the area to which plasma is provided by theplasma generation unit 21.

In another example, as illustrated in FIG. 32 , the path-providing unit23 may include a curved rail that extends in a curve. In other words,the path provided by the path-providing unit 23 includes a curved pathas well as a linear path.

In the case where the path-providing unit 23 provides a curved pathabove the body part, the curvature or length of the path may bedetermined and manufactured in advance to be appropriate for the bodypart to be treated with plasma.

FIG. 33 is a plan view illustrating the plasma treatment apparatus 2including the path-providing unit 23 according to another embodiment ofthe inventive concept.

According to another embodiment of the inventive concept, thepath-providing unit 23 may provide a loop path that extends in a loopshape above the body part.

For example, referring to FIG. 33 , the path-providing unit 23 mayinclude a loop rail with a loop shape. That is, unlike theabove-described path-providing unit 23 including the linear rail, thepath-providing unit 23 in this embodiment includes a closed loop rail.Likewise to the linear rail, the loop rail may also have a shape or sizedetermined in advance to be appropriate for the body part to be treatedwith plasma.

FIG. 33 illustrates an example that two plasma generation units 21provide plasma to a face while moving along the loop rail disposed abovethe face. Without being limited thereto, however, the number of plasmageneration units 21 moving along the loop rail may be one or three ormore according to embodiments.

FIG. 34 is a plan view illustrating the plasma treatment apparatus 2including the path-providing unit 23 according to yet another embodimentof the inventive concept.

According to yet another embodiment of the inventive concept, thepath-providing unit 23 may provide an intensive care area path in whicha first partial path, a turning path, and a second partial path aresuccessively connected.

For example, referring to FIG. 34 , the path-providing unit 23 mayprovide, above one or more predetermined intensive care areas A₁, A₂,and A₃ of the body part, an intensive care area path in which a firstpartial path 2311 extending in a first direction D₁, a turning path 2310that turns in a second direction D₂ opposite to the first direction D₁,and a second partial path 2312 extending in the second direction D₂ aresuccessively connected.

In this embodiment, the intensive care areas A₁, A₂, and A₃ may be partsto which plasma is intensively provided for treatment, and maycorrespond to affected parts where acne, an atopic skin disease, awound, and the like are located. The body part to be treated with plasmain FIG. 34 is a face, and the intensive care areas A₁, A₂, and A₃ arethe forehead and the cheeks. However, the sizes and number of theintensive care areas A₁, A₂, and A₃ may be determined in advance basedon the location of the body part to be treated with plasma, or thelocation and size of an affected part in the body part.

As described above, the path-providing unit 23 may provide, above anaffected part that has to be intensively treated, the intensive carearea path in which the first partial path 2311, the turning path 2310,and the second partial path 2312 are successively connected, therebyenabling the plasma generation unit 21 to intensively provide plasma toa local part of a body for a long time.

FIG. 35 is a plan view illustrating the plasma treatment apparatus 2including the path-providing unit 23 according to yet another embodimentof the inventive concept.

According to yet another embodiment of the inventive concept, thepath-providing unit 23 may provide closed loop paths 231, 232, and 233to a plurality of predetermined intensive care areas A₁, A₂, and A₃ ofthe body part, respectively. That is, the path-providing unit 23 in thisembodiment provides, above the intensive care areas A₁, A₂, and A₃, theloop paths 231, 232, and 233 instead of a crooked intensive care areapath.

The sizes and shapes of the loop paths 231, 232, and 233 may bedetermined in advance based on the sizes and shapes of the intensivecare areas A₁, A₂, and A₃ that have to be intensively treated.

The plasma generation unit 21 may be provided on the loop paths 231,232, and 233 to consistently provide plasma to a local part of a bodywhile circulating the intensive care areas A₁, A₂, and A₃ along thepaths.

FIG. 36 is a sectional view illustrating the path-providing unit 23 andthe driving unit 24 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept,and FIG. 37 is a side view illustrating the path-providing unit 23 and awheel 241 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept, whenviewed in the direction A of FIG. 36 .

As described above, the driving unit 24 moves the plasma generation unit21 along the path-providing unit 23.

According to an embodiment, the driving unit 24 may include the wheel241 and a motor 242. The wheel 241 is included in the plasma generationunit 21 and supported by the path-providing unit 23. The motor 242 isincluded in the plasma generation unit 21 to rotate the wheel 241.

Referring to FIG. 36 , the plasma generation unit 21 may include themotor 242, and the wheel 241 may be coupled to a rotary shaft 243extending from the motor 242. The wheel 241 may be coupled to the insideof the rail of the path-providing unit 23 and may be supported by atleast one surface of the rail.

According to this embodiment, as the motor 242 operates, the wheel 241coupled to the rotary shaft 243 rotates, and as the wheel 241 rotates asillustrated in FIG. 37 , the plasma generation unit 21 moves along therail together with the wheel 241.

In this embodiment, the driving unit 24 moves the plasma generation unit21 along the path-providing unit 23 by using the wheel 241 and the motor242. However, the technical idea that the driving unit 24 employs tomove the plasma generation unit 21 is not limited thereto. The drivingunit 24 may move the plasma generation unit 21 along the path-providingunit 23 through various types of means.

FIG. 38 is a side view illustrating the plasma treatment apparatus 2according to another embodiment of the inventive concept, and FIG. 39 isa plan view illustrating the plasma treatment apparatus 2 according toanother embodiment of the inventive concept.

According to another embodiment of the inventive concept, the plasmatreatment apparatus 2 may further include a medicine spray unit 25. Themedicine spray unit 25 sprays a medicine while moving along thepath-providing unit 23.

For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 38 and 39 , the medicine spray unit25 following the plasma generation unit 21 may spray the medicine to abody part after the plasma generation unit 21 provides plasma to thebody part.

Since the medicine spray unit 25 sprays the medicine after the plasmageneration unit 21 provides the plasma to the body part, treatmentsusing the plasma and the medicine may be performed together.

In the case where the path-providing unit 23 provides a linear pathabove the body part as illustrated in FIG. 38 , movement of the plasmageneration unit 21 and the medicine spray unit 25 may be limited, andoperation control (stopping, turning, or the like) thereof may becomplicated. However, in the case where the path-providing unit 23provides a closed loop path as illustrated in FIG. 39 , the plasmageneration unit 21 and the medicine spray unit 25 may consistentlysupply the plasma and the medicine to the body part without separatecontrol as long as the plasma generation unit 21 and the medicine sprayunit 25 move at the same speed so as not to collide with each other.

FIG. 40 is a side view illustrating the plasma treatment apparatus 2according to yet another embodiment of the inventive concept, and FIG.41 is a plan view illustrating the plasma treatment apparatus 2according to yet another embodiment of the inventive concept.

According to yet another embodiment of the inventive concept, the plasmatreatment apparatus 2 may further include a heater 26. The heater 26radiates heat while moving along the path-providing unit 23.

For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 40 and 41 , the heater 26 ahead ofthe plasma generation unit 21 may transfer heat to a body part beforethe plasma generation unit 21 provides plasma to the body part.

As a result, the temperature of skin may be raised by heating beforeplasma and a medicine are provided to the body part, and therefore theaction of the plasma on the body part and the absorption of the medicinemay be promoted, thereby improving treatment effects.

Likewise to the plasma generation unit 21, the medicine spray unit 25and the heater 26 also move along the path-providing unit 23.Accordingly, a component similar to the driving unit 24 described abovemay be applied to the medicine spray unit 25 and the heater 26 to movethe medicine spray unit 25 and the heater 26 along the rail.

FIG. 42 is a side view illustrating the plasma treatment apparatus 2according to yet another embodiment of the inventive concept.

According to yet another embodiment of the inventive concept, the plasmatreatment apparatus 2 may further include a medicine mixing unit 27. Themedicine mixing unit 27 having a medicine received therein is fastenedto the plasma generation unit 21 to mix the medicine with plasma.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 45 , the medicine mixing unit 27 maybe fastened to a nozzle through which plasma is discharged from theplasma generation unit 21. Since the medicine mixing unit 27 has themedicine received therein and is fastened to the plasma generation unit21, the plasma generation unit 21 may provide, to a body part, plasmamixed with the medicine through the medicine mixing unit 27.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the medicine mixing unit 27 will bedescribed in detail with reference to drawings.

FIGS. 43 and 44 are a perspective view and a sectional view illustratingthe medicine mixing unit 27 according to an embodiment of the inventiveconcept.

The medicine mixing unit 27 according to an embodiment of the inventiveconcept is a member attached to the plasma generation unit 21 to furtherenhance unique actions of plasma. The medicine mixing unit 27 has amedicine M for enhancing actions of plasma and provides plasma mixedwith the medicine M.

Referring to FIGS. 43 and 44 , the medicine mixing unit 27 includes afastening part 271 coupled to the plasma generation unit 21, a medicinereceiving part 272 that receives the medicine M for enhancing actions ofplasma, and a discharging part 273 that discharges plasma including themedicine M.

The fastening part 271 may be fastened to the nozzle through whichplasma is discharged from the plasma generation unit 21. Since thefastening part 271 is fastened to an end portion of the nozzle of theplasma generation unit 21, plasma generated by the plasma generationunit 21 is discharged to the outside along with the medicine M past themedicine mixing unit 27.

FIGS. 45 and 46 are a sectional view and a side view illustrating themedicine mixing unit 27 according to an embodiment of the inventiveconcept.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the fastening part271 may be screw-coupled to the nozzle of the plasma generation unit 21.As illustrated in FIG. 45 , for the screw-coupling of the fastening part271 and the nozzle of the plasma generation unit 21, the nozzle and thefastening part 271 have threads engaged with each other.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the fastening part 271 may becoupled to a thread formed on the nozzle, the pitch of which is formedin a direction parallel to a nozzle axis X. In other words, asillustrated in FIG. 45 , the pitch of the thread formed on the nozzlemay extend in the direction of the nozzle axis X.

Due to the above-described structure, a user, as illustrated in FIG. 46, may rotate the medicine mixing unit 27 about the nozzle axis X toadjust the degree to which the medicine mixing unit 27 protrudes.According to this embodiment, in the case where the length of a plasmajet discharged from the discharging part 273 of the medicine mixing unit27 is restricted and the distance between a target part (e.g., a bodypart) to which plasma is applied and the medicine mixing unit 27 is notconstant, the user may adjust the degree to which the medicine mixingunit 27 protrudes toward the target part, thereby effectively applyingplasma to the target part.

The medicine receiving part 272 receives the medicine M for enhancingactions of plasma.

For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 43 to 45 , the medicine M may beapplied to the inner surface of the medicine mixing unit 272, and plasmapassing through the medicine receiving part 272 may be mixed with themedicine M.

FIGS. 47 to 49 are sectional views illustrating the medicine receivingpart 272 and the medicine M received therein according to embodiments ofthe inventive concept.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the medicinereceiving part 272 may be formed inside the medicine mixing unit 27 andmay receive the medicine M in a space R formed on a transfer path P fortransferring plasma from the plasma generation unit 21 to thedischarging part 273.

That is, the medicine mixing unit 27 in this embodiment may beconfigured to ensure the space R with a predetermined size on thetransfer path P through which plasma passes, and the medicine M may bereceived in the space R.

According to an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 47 , the space R andthe transfer path P may be distinguished from each other with apartition wall 221 therebetween. In this case, the medicine M may bereceived between the partition wall 221 and an inner wall of themedicine receiving part 272.

According to another embodiment of the inventive concept, the medicinereceiving part 272 may be formed inside the medicine mixing unit 27 andmay receive the medicine M on the transfer path P for transferringplasma from the plasma generation unit 21 to the discharging part 273.

For example, referring to FIG. 48 , the medicine mixing unit 27 may havea tapered shape that becomes gradually narrower toward one end, and themedicine M may be applied to the surface of the transfer path P formedin the medicine mixing unit 27.

Furthermore, according to yet another embodiment of the inventiveconcept, the medicine receiving part 272 may receive the medicine M inboth the transfer path P and the space R formed on the transfer path.

For example, referring to FIG. 49 , the medicine mixing unit 27 may beconfigured to have both the transfer path P and the space R, and themedicine M may fill the space R and may be coated on the transfer pathP.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the medicinereceiving part 272 may receive hydrogen peroxide as the medicine M. Inthe case where hydrogen peroxide with a predetermined concentration isused as the medicine M, germicidal action of plasma may be significantlyenhanced than in the case where only plasma is used. However, themedicine M is not limited to hydrogen peroxide, and various materialsmay be used as the medicine M, depending on a treatment purpose or apart to be treated.

According to an embodiment, the transfer path P may include a straighttube that extends from the nozzle in a straight line. For example, thetransfer path P in FIGS. 47 and 49 is a straight tube with a constantdiameter, and the transfer path P in FIG. 48 is a straight tube with avariable diameter in the lengthwise direction.

However, according to an embodiment, the transfer path P may include acurved tube or a bent tube other than the straight tube.

FIG. 50 is a schematic view illustrating the transfer path P accordingto various embodiments of the inventive concept.

In FIG. 50 , the transfer path P formed in the medicine mixing unit 27is represented simply by a solid line, without regard for the thicknessof the transfer path P.

As described above, the transfer path P may extend in a straight linefrom the nozzle of the plasma generation unit 21 to the discharging part273 of the medicine mixing unit 27 (see a straight tube of FIG. 50 ).

However, according to another embodiment, the transfer path P may extendin a curve shape from the nozzle to the discharging part 273 (see curvedtubes 1 and 2 of FIG. 50 ).

In this case, the curved tube may extend in a curve shape on a virtualplane where the nozzle and the discharging part 273 are located. Thatis, likewise to curved tube 1 of FIG. 50 , the curved tube may be curvedon a single plane.

In another case, the curved tube may be formed to be wound around avirtual line that connects the nozzle and the discharging part 273. Thatis, likewise to curved tube 2 of FIG. 50 , the curved tube may not belocated on a single plane and may be formed to be wound around an axis Xthat connects the nozzle and the discharging part 273.

In addition, according to yet another embodiment, the transfer path Pmay extend in a broken line shape from the nozzle to the dischargingpart 273 (see bent tubes 1 and 2 of FIG. 50 ).

In this case, the bent tube may extend in a broken line shape on avirtual plane where the nozzle and the discharging part 273 are located.That is, likewise to bent tube 1 of FIG. 50 , the bent tube may be benton a single plane.

In another case, the bent tube may be formed to be wound around avirtual line that connects the nozzle and the discharging part 273. Thatis, likewise to bent tube 2 of FIG. 50 , the bent tube may not belocated on a single plane and may be formed to be wound in a broken lineshape around the axis X that connects the nozzle and the dischargingpart 273.

Since the curved tube and the bent tube are curved or bent in adirection different from the direction of the axis X that connects thenozzle and the discharging part 273, the curved tube and the bent tubehave a longer plasma path than the straight tube. Accordingly, plasmamay be mixed with a larger amount of medicine M on the transfer path P,and thus the degree of action of the plasma may be further increased.

FIG. 51 is a sectional view illustrating the transfer path P and acavity C formed therein according to yet another embodiment of theinventive concept.

According to yet another embodiment of the inventive concept, themedicine receiving part 272 may further include, in a portioncorresponding to a vertex of a bent tube, the cavity C for receiving amedicine M.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 51 , the bent tube extending in abroken line shape may include the cavity C at the vertex where astraight tube and a straight tube meet. The cavity C may be formed tohave a predetermined volume and shape and may receive the medicine Mtherein. For example, the cavity C may be filled with the medicine M.Without being limited thereto, however, the medicine M may be coated onthe inner surface of the cavity C.

According to this embodiment, plasma flowing along the transfer path Pmay enter the cavity C at the vertex of the bent tube and may formvortex in the cavity C. Accordingly, the plasma may be mixed with alarger amount of medicine M in the cavity C, and thus the degree ofaction of the plasma may be further increased.

The plasma treatment apparatus 2 described above may treat a body part,such as skin or a wound, using plasma or plasma and a medicine, therebyeffectively removing harmful germs in an affected part and promotingregeneration of tissues.

While the inventive concept has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat various changes and modifications may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the inventive concept. Therefore, it shouldbe understood that the above embodiments are not limiting, butillustrative.

What is claimed is:
 1. A plasma treatment apparatus comprising: a coverconfigured to be attached to a body part; a plasma generation unitconfigured to generate plasma and provide the plasma to the cover; a gassupply unit configured to supply a source gas for generating the plasmato the plasma generation unit; an exhaust unit configured to exhaust anexhaust gas from the cover; and a spacing part disposed on a portion ofthe cover facing the body part, the spacing part being configured tomaintain spacing between the cover and the body part.
 2. The plasmatreatment apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a sealing partdisposed at an edge of the cover, the sealing part being brought intoclose contact with the body part to seal a space between the cover andthe body part.
 3. The plasma treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein thecover includes a mask manufactured in advance to cover a face or a padmanufactured in advance to cover a wound.
 4. The plasma treatmentapparatus of claim 1, wherein the plasma generation unit comprisesopposite electrodes disposed to face each other, and wherein the gassupply unit comprises a fan unit configured to generate an air flow froma first space between the opposite electrodes to a second space betweenthe cover and the body part.
 5. The plasma treatment apparatus of claim4, wherein the plasma generation unit further comprises an ozoneabsorption unit configured to absorb ozone.
 6. The plasma treatmentapparatus of claim 5, wherein the ozone absorption unit comprises afilter with manganese dioxide.
 7. The plasma treatment apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the plasma generation unit further comprises a medicinesupply unit configured to supply a medicine.
 8. The plasma treatmentapparatus of claim 7, wherein the medicine supply unit comprises amedicine plate with one surface facing the body part and an oppositesurface to which the medicine is applied, the medicine plate having ahole through which the plasma mixed with the medicine is sent into thesecond space between the cover and the body part.
 9. The plasmatreatment apparatus of claim 4, wherein the cover further includes ashielding part configured to shield the opposite electrodes.
 10. Theplasma treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein a medicine is applied toat least part of one surface of the cover that faces the body part. 11.The plasma treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the exhaust unitexhausts air from a space between the cover and the body part before theplasma generation unit generates the plasma after the cover is attachedto the body part.
 12. The plasma treatment apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: a by-product removal unit configured to remove a by-productfrom the exhaust gas.
 13. The plasma treatment apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: a sensor unit configured to detect whether the bodypart is sealed by the cover.
 14. The plasma treatment apparatus of claim13, wherein the sensor unit comprises at least one contact sensorprovided on a boundary surface of the cover that makes contact with thebody part and configured to detect whether the boundary surface and thebody part are brought into contact with, or separated from, each other.15. The plasma treatment apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: acontroller configured to control the plasma generation unit, dependingon whether the body part is sealed or not.
 16. The plasma treatmentapparatus of claim 15, wherein the controller stops an operation of theplasma generation unit when a boundary surface of the cover capable ofmaking contact with the body part is separated from the body part. 17.The plasma treatment apparatus of claim 16, wherein the controller stopsthe operation of the plasma generation unit when any one of a pluralityof contact sensors detects that the boundary surface and the body partare separated from each other.
 18. The plasma treatment apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein the controller restarts the operation of the plasmageneration unit when the boundary surface and the body part are broughtinto contact with each other.
 19. The plasma treatment apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein the exhaust unit includes a variable suction pumpconfigured to take in the exhaust gas from a space between the cover andthe body part, the variable suction pump being variable in suctionpressure, wherein when the boundary surface and the body part areseparated from each other, the controller raises the suction pressure ofthe variable suction pump and stops an operation of the variable suctionpump after preset time passes, and wherein the controller restarts theoperation of the variable suction pump when the boundary surface and thebody part are brought into contact with each other again.
 20. The plasmatreatment apparatus of claim 16, wherein the cover is configured suchthat a supply hole through which the cover receives the plasma from theplasma generation unit or receives air from the gas supply unit has alarger area than an exhaust hole through which the exhaust gas isdischarged to the exhaust unit, and wherein the cover further comprisesan exhaust hole adjustment unit configured to hide or open part of theexhaust hole to adjust the area of the exhaust hole, wherein when theboundary surface and the body part are separated from each other, thecontroller controls the exhaust hole adjustment unit to open part of theexhaust hole to increase the area of the exhaust hole, and wherein whenthe boundary surface and the body part are brought into contact witheach other again, the controller controls the exhaust hole adjustmentunit to hide part of the exhaust hole to decrease the area of theexhaust hole.